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Welcome to Louisbourg
Cape Breton Island is filled with magnificent seascapes, beaches and historical sites. From the freshest Atlantic seafood to inspiring seaside hikes, the vast history and culture to explore and the perfect accommodations for relaxation, this is a place anyone will enjoy.
Contact
Nicole MacAulay
Manager of Cruise
Port of Sydney Development Corporation
74 Esplanade
Sydney, NS B1P 1A1
Phone: (902) 371-5797
Email: nicole@portofsydney.ca
Website: www.portofsydney.ca
Things to do
The Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail
An iconic coastal hike for both experienced hikers and those looking for a casual, relaxing stroll. Located across the harbour from the Fortress of Louisbourg, this trail is known for its sights of spectacular crashing waves and ocean vistas. And of course, the Louisbourg Lighthouse, located at the trailhead.
The Mi’kmaw Interpretive Centre
Celebrate traditions and culture through images, artifacts, songs and traditional drumming and storytelling. Here you’ll learn about the rich heritage of Unama’ki and the important role of L’nu, also known as the Mi’kmaq, in 18th century Louisbourg.
Become a Cannoneer
Add an explosive element to your visit – train to be a cannoneer and fire a cannon! Light the fuse and wait for the blast of a cannon identical to those that defended 18th-century Louisbourg. An exclusive, exciting 45 minutes of French colonial artillery techniques shared by fellow soldiers will officially make you a cannoneer in training.
You must be at least 18 years old. You must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
July 1 to September 14, 2021
11:00 a.m. and 2:25 p.m.
45 minutes
Dining at the Fortress of Louisbourg
What better way to enjoy the largest reconstructed 18th century French fortified town in North America than sitting down to an authentic 18th century meal with servers dressed the part and true pewter dish ware.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
North America’s largest historic restoration is a must see on anyone’s list who enjoys accurate re-enactment of the 18th century battle for ‘The New World’ between France and England. French soldiers march down the streets of the town as ladies dance in formal parlours. Step through Louisbourg’s fortress walls and time-warp back to the 1700s. Chat with fishermen, sailors and servants as they go about their daily activities and lives in “New France.”
Learn How to Fire a Musket
Sign up with the Compagnies Franches de la Marine and get a soldier's basic training. You will fire an exact replica 18th century musket. Safe and fun!
- You must be at least 16 years old; youth between the ages of 16-18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- You must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
- 30 minutes
Fortress Rum Tasting
Discover the taste and aroma of Fortress™ Rum. Be part of a colonial tradition as rum was one of the most popular drinks of 18th-century Louisbourg. Sample an authentic Rum Punch recipe and learn how sugar cane and its alcoholic offshoot influenced trade, shipping, and slavery in colonial North America. This 35-minute tour operates during the Fortress season.
Sydney Dining
This seaside city has long been the hub of business on Cape Breton Island, and when it comes to modern culinary stops in Atlantic Canada, Sydney can’t be left out. The downtown core boasts great dining experiences of varied styles and influences including Flavor on the Water, Trio, Governor’s Pub and Eatery, Mian’s Restaurant and The Lebanese Flower. The multi-culturalism present in Sydney’s neighbourhoods is reflected in the establishments providing food from all over the worlds: United Kingdom, India, Lebanon, Greece, Japan, China, and the Caribbean Islands.